New Chapter Begins For Mackay’s Tip Shop, With Familiar Values At Heart

Mackay’s much-loved Tip Shop at Paget is entering a new chapter, with national social enterprise Outlook Australia set to take over operations from August 1.

The transition follows a competitive tender process for management of the Resource Recovery Centre’s Tip Shop and Donation Drop-Off area, with Mackay Regional Council reaffirming its commitment to both sustainability and inclusive employment outcomes.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the facility, known for diverting countless items from landfill and offering locals a second chance at treasure, would remain open during the handover period.

“Council is committed to supporting the growth of our regional economy by prioritising local businesses and organisations when procuring goods and services,” Cr Williamson said.

“Our procurement policy gives additional weighting to local providers, but it also ensures that every contract delivers the best value for ratepayers and the broader community.”

Outlook Australia currently manages more than 30 waste and recycling sites across Central Queensland and brings to Mackay a strong track record in social enterprise. The organisation is a registered charity that creates inclusive employment opportunities, particularly for people living with disability and those experiencing barriers to employment.

Queensland Regional Manager Mitch Crane said Outlook’s mission closely aligned with the Tip Shop’s established legacy.

“Our focus is on creating inclusive jobs while helping the community reduce waste through reuse and repurposing,” Mr Crane said.

“All proceeds from our reuse shops are reinvested back into the communities we support. Mackay has a proud reputation in this space, and we look forward to working alongside locals to develop new initiatives in sustainability.”

Mr Crane said Outlook Australia would soon meet with the current Tip Shop team to ensure a smooth transition. “We’re eager to have genuine conversations about what it means to join Outlook and how we can build on the incredible work that’s already been done.”

That legacy belongs, in large part, to Incredable Ltd — the long-time operators of the Tip Shop and the driving force behind its community impact for more than a decade. Their final day of operation will be 31 July 2025.

In a heartfelt message shared with supporters this week, the Incredable team thanked Mackay for years of support, connection, and shared purpose.

“We’re moving on — but we’re not moving away from what matters,” they wrote. “After years of rescuing items from landfill and helping people find both treasures and purpose, the Incredable Tip Shop and our donation drop-off area are officially closing.”

“But this is not a goodbye. We’re stepping into a new chapter, in a new location, with the same mission: less landfill, more sustainability, and purposeful employment for disadvantaged job seekers.”

The team encouraged locals to stay tuned to their social media pages for updates, hinting at exciting developments to come.

In the meantime, they offered a sincere thank you: “Incredable has become more than a name — it’s become part of people’s lives, and that means everything to us. Let’s keep doing good for people and the planet, together.”

While the name above the door may be changing, the heart of Mackay’s Tip Shop — inclusive employment, environmental responsibility, and a passion for giving second chances — remains very much intact.

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Social enterprise group, Outlook will take over operations of the Resource Recovery Centre in Paget.  It will continue to provide employment opportunities to people living with disability or disadvantage. Photo supplied

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